Transcript Highlights:

• , just trying to navigate the regulatory environment, things like tax exemptions, what they need to pay
• , what they don't need to pay, we help them through that process.
• , just trying to navigate the regulatory environment, things like tax exemptions, what they need to pay
• , what they don't need to pay, we help them through that process.
• I think the average wage is in high-tech industries, and those are high-paying jobs.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to hear presentations from the Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Florida Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, life sciences, defense, and financial services. He described the department’s tools for small business lending, rural investment tax credits, venture capital support, infrastructure and workforce grants, performance-based incentives, and disaster recovery loans, and highlighted examples such as ServiceNow, Williams International, Asteris, and Point Blank Enterprises. Senators asked about grant availability for small businesses, foreign companies relocating to Florida, workforce shortages in manufacturing, and whether additional tools may be needed; Mahon said most small-business support is loan-based and noted ongoing workforce and infrastructure challenges. Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing the state’s large portfolio of active contracts and major congestion-relief projects across Florida. She highlighted early completions and accelerated timelines on projects including the NASA Causeway Bridge, I-95 at US 1 in Volusia County, I-4 congestion relief lanes, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, I-4 interchanges in Central Florida, A1A coastal protection work, I-75 improvements in Southwest Florida, and the I-395 reconstruction in Miami. Senators asked about how express lane projects are selected, whether toll revenues are used for local maintenance and improvements, the status of the Miami I-395 project, and the impact of losing electric-vehicle express lane exemptions. Marshall said FDOT works with local long-range plans and congestion data, and that she would follow up on several specific funding and project questions. Committee members generally praised both agencies for project delivery, cost savings, and coordination with local partners. Senator Mayfield noted the importance of using savings and working with local governments, while Senator Wright commended Commerce’s role in economic development and FDOT’s work on major road projects. The meeting concluded with no further business, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to do that, they have a tremendous amount of value, and they need to be able to pay taxes.
• And it's a non-profit, so they don't pay taxes. No, no, no.
• So if you can pay a visit to her office, I’d love to. I bet, or anybody...
• This will be a tax-paying entity that handles the communal responsibility.
• At any level and pays the tax, which is very different than the Cayman Islands. Yes, it is.

Bills: HB2226, HB2269, HB2343, HB2760, HB3621, HB4079, HB4204, HB4518, HB4531, HB4555, HB4850, HB4876, HB4903, HB4996, HB5122

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• conditions, this bill aims to encourage Texans to work during periods of low unemployment with less pay
• in Texas is about $493 a week in unemployment benefits, which is one third of what the average job pays
• Employees are by law not allowed to pay into it; they're not required to pay into it, and an employer
• the spirit of this program is to support families during unexpected layoffs so that they continue to pay
• Our money from the federal government has to pay back interest when doing it that way.

Bills: HB 112, HB199, HB621, HB1349, HB2214, HB3466, HB3698, HB3699, HCR9, HB112, HB199, HCR9

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Transcript Highlights:

• I've already showed him that I'm willing to pay that much to live there.
• bill really does is help very wealthy people who can buy multiple, multiple properties and condos, not pay
• Everything that the cities have to pay for, that we pay for, the cities are paying for, and businesses
• are paying for.
• So they own 10 houses, 10 properties they're renting, not paying taxes on.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on March 27, 2025 and first considered HJR 1257 and its implementing bill, HB 1259, which would create two $25,000 property tax exemptions and an assessment cap for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians who also have a homestead in the state. Supporters argued the measure would increase long-term rental supply and help Florida residents, while opponents from counties and cities warned of a large revenue loss, potential tax shifts to businesses, and weak guardrails against abuse. Members raised concerns about wealthy owners holding many condos, possible family-member workarounds, and whether savings would actually reach tenants. The committee adopted an amendment to the implementing bill, then reported both measures favorably after party-line-leaning debate and recorded votes. The committee then unanimously reported HB 761, which limits deferred ad valorem and non-ad valorem tax relief to properties with a just value of $1 million or less and raises the minimum tax certificate sale amount from $250 to $500. Members also unanimously approved CS/HB 733 on brownfields, which expands and clarifies the state brownfields program, and two Osceola/Sunbridge local bills, CS/HB 4043 and HB 4059, dealing with special district infrastructure and district boundary expansion subject to voter approval. HB 995 on Areas of Critical State Concern, focused largely on the Florida Keys, was amended to remove the ad valorem tax exemption portion and to adjust the growth cap from 500 to 825 units, then was reported favorably. Later, the committee approved HB 6021, which repeals sales tax on all bullion purchases of gold, silver, and platinum, with supporters calling it a sound-money measure and critics asking about future revenue effects if related legal-tender legislation passes. Finally, the committee passed HB 1339, which excludes wind-damage mitigation improvements from assessed value for property tax purposes, after adopting a clarifying amendment about secondary water barriers. Throughout the meeting, most bills were reported favorably, often after brief debate and with little or no public testimony beyond support or opposition from affected local-government and industry groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• a certain fee per hour for paying a certain fee per hour for work.
• My parents are already paying the rent. I have a roof over my head. I have food in my stomach.
• And of course, the employer, if they needed labor and can afford the labor, can pay the market rate.
• Senator, what data or what studies or examples do you have that support that paying below minimum wage
• I make $16 an hour and I still can't pay my bills.

Summary: The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll calls. SB 1760, by Senator Grall, would require certain elected officials and agency heads to reside in Florida, with agency heads also required to be U.S. citizens and live in the county where their agency is headquartered; it also clarifies the constitutional prohibition on holding more than one office. SB 1202, by Senator McClain, expands insurance benefits for firefighters who are totally and permanently disabled during official training exercises, and its amendment was adopted to avoid local fiscal impact. SB 582, by Senator Leak, increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and limits the higher penalty to properties on the National Register of Historic Places or in a listed district; supporters included representatives of St. Augustine and the Florida League of Cities, while one opponent waived in opposition. SB 312, by Senator Gates, revises governance of the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and allows affiliated nonprofit subsidiaries to enter agreements with universities; an amendment adding one public member to the board was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 676, by Senator Martin, which would allow employees to waive the state minimum wage right under a framework the sponsor said would help young or inexperienced workers gain entry-level experience. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing it could help small businesses hire and create opportunities, and opponents saying it would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage, invite coercion, and exploit vulnerable workers. Senator Martin’s amendment clarifying the Fair Labor Standards Act exception was adopted, and the bill passed on a favorable vote despite opposition from Senator Arrington and others. Finally, SB 440, by Senator McClain, was heard as an expansion of prior law to cover public employees and prohibit certain employment practices related to gender identity and pronoun use; after an amendment narrowing the bill by deleting references to training, instruction, or other activity regarding sexual orientation, the committee heard extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters framing it as protecting conscience rights and opponents calling it discriminatory. The committee ultimately reported SB 440 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will parents have to pay it? Will insurance cover it? Will Medicaid coverage be available?
• You just present us with an invoice, and we have to pay it.
• There's a ton of things that we pay for here.
• There's a ton of things that we pay for here.
• Under the current law, Florida insurance companies must prove service and pay in advance for 12 months

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only do we have to pay, follow the AICPA guidelines, we also have to find all the government.
• And there's also resource and funding constraints that make it difficult to pay competitive salaries
• you auditing the school systems, I've often wondered if there was a way for us to compare what they pay
• services, and we compared it with other coastal counties to see what their school districts were paying
• It was, you know, it did not seem reasonable based on what the other counties were paying.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive annual overviews of its oversight responsibilities and the work of the Auditor General and OPAGA. Committee staff reviewed the committee’s authority over state and local governments, enforcement of audit-report filing requirements, repeated audit findings, Transparency Florida reporting, and lobbying compensation audits. Auditor General Cheryl Norman described her office’s independence, audit standards, quality control, and major audit areas, including the state’s annual financial and single audits, school district and university audits, operational and performance audits, and attestation work. She also noted staffing shortages, recruitment efforts, and a request for carry-forward funds to study salaries. Members asked about whether audits can quantify recoverable dollars, how school district spending comparisons are handled, and how to raise concerns about DCF-related audits or a local city audit that has been pending for years. Norman said her office can quantify findings when possible, sometimes compares costs across districts in operational audits, and that members can bring specific concerns to the appropriate deputy auditor general or the committee. She also explained that citizen or local-government audit requests may require payment of audit costs. OPAGA Coordinator Kara Collins-Gomez outlined OPAGA’s role as a legislative research unit that conducts studies directed by law, the presiding officers, or the committee, and described its policy areas, methodologies, contract monitoring, and recurring statutory reports. Deputy Auditor General Matthew Tracy explained how to read operational audit reports, including findings, criteria, condition, cause, effect, recommendations, and management responses. Deputy Auditor General Greg Senators explained financial audit reports, including audit opinions, required supplementary information, internal control and compliance findings, federal program compliance, and management letters. The meeting concluded with thanks to the presenters and a motion to adjourn, which passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:05:06.080><c> it</c> for that, working with them to pay it for that, working with them to pay
• ><c> close</c> Senator Parks, please pay close Senator Parks, please pay close attention<02:14:21.360
• </c> have having to pay the bed tax. have having to pay the bed tax.
• </c><04:30:03.120><c> for</c> utility authority and pay for utility authority and pay for authorities
• </c><04:44:06.200><c> their</c> And you're going to have to pay their And you're going to have to pay

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 February, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't have any funds to take out and pay for the house. But you do have a lease.
• </c> that are unentitled and so we're paying that are unentitled and so we're paying about<02:45:23.800
• So, and again, because the counties don’t pay for it, it’s never part of the planning.
• people who haven't been paying and they people who haven't been paying and they haven't<05:34:51.638>
• :53.240><c> kind</c><05:34:53.360><c> of</c> haven't been paying because they kind of haven't been paying

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They generally pay based on charges, so they usually pay the full charges on those things.
• They generally pay based on charges, so they usually pay the full charges on those things.
• </c><06:11:49.920><c> They</c><06:11:50.240><c> generally</c><06:11:50.718><c> pay</c> pay ambulance
• They generally pay pay ambulance claims.
• </c> likely they'll now pay on fee schedules. likely they'll now pay on fee schedules.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the this is um a pay those bonuses.
• That's what we pay them to do.
• That's what we pay them to do. That's what we pay them to do. Representative<03:46:22.720><c> Woods.
• </c> them if they were wish to choose to pay them if they were wish to choose to pay for<03:51:03.600
• </c> somebody who would be private pay somebody who would be private pay or<03:51:50.160><c> can</c><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• he</c><00:14:10.399><c> still</c><00:14:10.680><c> had</c><00:14:10.839><c> to</c><00:14:11.000><c> pay
• </c><00:14:11.240><c> mortg</c> fees however he still had to pay mortg fees however he still had to pay
• </c> his mortgage he still had to pay his mortgage he still had to pay property<00:14:14.079><c> tax<
• the tenant to leave um which is not pay the tenant to leave um which is not really<00:25:43.600><c>
• </c><01:48:25.360><c> an</c> credit you're still now paying an credit you're still now paying an interest

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> funds we didn't use those to pay funds we didn't use those to pay salaries<00:26:43.840><c> that
• </c><01:14:58.800><c> for</c> million short on being able to pay for million short on being able to pay
• need to borrow funds and pay interest on those funds.
• need to borrow funds and pay interest on those funds.
• need to borrow funds and pay interest on those funds.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Why should the bank pay for it?
• </c> pay for it? Why do we put the bank on? pay for it? Why do we put the bank on?
• Somebody else is going to pay. Somebody's going to pay. That has got to stop.
• Somebody else is going to pay. Somebody's going to pay. That has got to stop. >> Rep. Mabrey.
• Somebody else is going to pay. Somebody's going to pay. That has got to stop. >> Rep. Mabrey.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The commissioner confirmed that 90% would be affected and said that 90% of those are paying now.
• So I think some people think that there are insurance groups that pay here, and there are some that pay
• </c> Framework for insurers to pay settlements with minors.
• And if they do have rental, um, they may have to pay more for certain coverages.
• </c> do have rental, um they may have to pay do have rental, um they may have to pay more<01:07:58.640

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:15 Department of Insurance Update 00:01:39 Department of Financial Institutions Update 00:37:07 Insurance Industry Update 00:54:50 Credit Union Industry Update 01:10:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 16 minutes, and then received an update from Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark and staff on the Department of Insurance. Clark reviewed department activity, including growth in premium volume and licensing, consumer complaints and recoveries, and a rise in fraud referrals. She said the department has 66 open fraud cases and described common schemes such as staged auto accidents, inflated repair or cleanup charges, and roofing scams. She also said the department’s investigators often prepare strong cases but face reluctance from local prosecutors, especially in Fayette and Jefferson counties, to pursue them. Clark reported favorable workers’ compensation news, saying rates will decrease 9.7% next year for the 20th straight year. She contrasted that with a difficult property insurance market driven by storms, reinsurance costs, inflation, labor shortages, and litigation, but said Kentucky’s market remains relatively stable, citing the Kentucky Fair Plan’s small number of policies. She then warned of significant 2026 health insurance premium increases on the exchange: 16.1% for Molina, 23% for Anthem, and 37% for WCare, after CareSource withdrew. She said the rates were reviewed by actuaries and found fair, but that the biggest pressure point is the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which she said could leave about 90% of exchange enrollees facing a compounded increase. Members questioned Clark about fraud prosecution, the number of people in commercial versus public coverage, and the impact of expiring subsidies. Clark said the prosecution issue is mainly with Commonwealth attorneys and that rural counties are more cooperative than urban ones. She also said the health market is individually rated and that older enrollees would be hit harder, while the loss of tax credits could push some people out of the marketplace. One member asked about the attorney general’s recent opinion on SB 188, the PBM bill; staff said attorneys were still reviewing it. Clark closed by noting that Kentucky’s fraud and towing/storage legislation has become a model for other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• , figuring out how they are going to pay for this testing.
• But you issue the license, and you make us pay for it.
• Should I pay for both myself and for those that might oppose my positions?
• and I pay my own food.
• I pay his gas, I pay his food.

Bills: SB5, SB11, SB12, SB 5, SB 11, SB 12

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think the adage is, you know, you can pay now or you can pay later.
• It also prohibits using taxpayer funds to pay for these suits.
• This also doesn't include the $2.7 million a year we pay in our bond debt service.
• Me and say, well, can we get pay phones back in schools?
• And I said, well, I had not. me and say, well, can we get pay phones back in schools?

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• These companies can afford to pay their fair share.
• We can have facilities that offer jobs and that pay their fair share in taxes.
• Additionally, having these companies pay sales tax in the future is not a punishment.
• our teachers better, pay pensions, and healthcare.
• our teachers better, pay pensions, and health care.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the recommendations, for example, talk about staff pay, like the base pay.
• uh concerns about pay about you know uh concerns about pay about you know overtime<00:36:29.040><c> burnout
• </c><00:48:45.440><c> so</c><00:48:45.640><c> an</c> The concerns with the ACOs is the pay.
• Thank you. pay raise uh a longevity bonus to uh pay raise uh a longevity bonus to uh acos<00:50:40.119
• </c> putting up in a Botto hotel and paying putting up in a Botto hotel and paying per<00:52:37.839><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going to pay for it for a year, two months, three months.
• It's paying your rent out of your savings account. Once you spend it, it is gone, right?
• Okay, we're going to pay for it for a year, two months, three months.
• It's paying your rent out of your savings account.
• It's paying your rent out of your savings account. Once you spend it, it is gone, right?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate and House Ways and Means chairs opened the FY 2027 consensus revenue hearing by emphasizing the need for a balanced, fiscally responsible budget amid federal funding cuts, health care cost pressures, and uncertainty around the federal tax law changes referred to as OB3. They also noted the state’s current revenue performance is slightly above benchmark and paid tribute to the late Representative Anne Margaret Ferranti. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorkowitz echoed the call for caution, saying Massachusetts has protected core services while building reserves and that the FY27 budget process begins with a careful revenue estimate. Department of Revenue Commissioner Jeff Snyder, along with DOR staff, presented FY26 and FY27 tax forecasts and identified major drivers and risks: OB3’s negative impact on state revenue, surtax collections, labor market conditions, capital gains, and corporate/business excise taxes. DOR estimated OB3 would reduce FY26 revenue by about $664 million and FY27 by about $282 million, while surtax and capital gains were expected to remain strong in FY26 but soften in FY27. Members questioned the outlook for surtax, capital gains, and the potential fiscal effect of a ballot question reducing the income tax rate from 5% to 4%; DOR said that proposal could cost roughly $4.2 billion to $4.8 billion annually, with a smaller but still significant impact in FY27 because of phase-in timing. Treasurer Deb Goldberg testified next on the stabilization fund, lottery, PRIM, unclaimed property, and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. She reported the rainy day fund at about $8.1 billion, said the lottery was on track for $1.5 billion in FY26 net profit and projected $1.25 billion in FY27, and highlighted that iLottery is expected to launch in summer 2026 with revenue beginning in FY27 and dedicated to child care initiatives. She also described strong PRIM performance and record unclaimed property returns, while members asked about the child care use of iLottery revenue, multilingual outreach, and the economic impact of expanded liquor licensing. Mass Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate and Tufts’ Evan Horowitz then offered differing revenue outlooks and policy warnings. Howgate projected modest growth, cautioned against overusing reserves for ongoing obligations, and urged caution on federal tax conformity changes and health care spending pressures. Horowitz projected higher FY26 and FY27 revenues than other witnesses, warned that the surtax and capital gains make the tax system more volatile, and said a 4% income tax ballot question could reduce FY27 revenues by roughly $800 million to $1 billion. He also flagged the rent control ballot question as a potential risk to municipal finance and suggested the state consider giving a permanent home to the independent revenue model used by Alan Clayton-Matthews.